Illinois Workers’ Comp 2011 Medical Fees to Increase 1.08%

Medical fees provided for in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act will increase 1.08 percent in 2011, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission reports.

Fee schedule rates increase or decrease by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index-U (CPI-U) in the previous year. Because the CPI-U increased 1.08 percent between August 2009 and August 2010, rates will increase 1.08 percent for treatment on or after Jan. 1, 2011.

In comparison, the Consumer Price Index-Medical during the same period increased 3.2 percent.

The change will not affect the 76 percent of charge provision. By law, where the fee schedule cannot provide a fee, payment defaults to 76 percent of charge.